Wire-stitching machine



Dec. 15, 1942. G. H. HARRED 2,305,418,

WIRE STITGHING MACHINE I Filed 10, 1941 esneets-sheeu q 5, 9 s. H. HARRED WIRE STITCHING MACHINE Filed May 10, 1941- 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 G. H. HARRED WIRE STITCHING MACHINE,

Filed-M5,? 1o, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet s .llJL O F Dec. 15, 1942.

(a. H. HARRED WIRE STITCHING MACHINE Filed May 10, 194i 9 Sheets-sheaf 4 Dec- 15, G H. WIRE STITCHING MACHINE Filed May 10, 124i 9 Sheets-Sheet 5 Dec. 15, 1942. G. H. HARRED 2,305,418

WIRE STITCHING MACHINE Filed May 10, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet 6 Dec. 15, 1942. e. H. HARRED WIRE STITCHING MACHINE Filed May 10, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet 7 .Zflbrred W fibr afyzit kw? mm. ws km Dec. 15, 1942. o. H.-HARRED 2,305,418

WIRE STITCHING MACHINE Filed May 10, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 I Dec. 15, 1942. HARRED 1 2,305,418

' WIRE STITCHING MACHINE Filed May 10, 1941 9 Sheets-Sheet 9 a9 M I "05 /57 Patented Dec. 15, 1942 WIRE-)STITCHING MACHINE George H. Harred, East Greenwich, R. I., assigno'r to Boston Wire Stitcher Company, Portland, Maine, a corporation of Maine Application May 10, 1941, Serial No. 392,928

29 Claims.

The present invention relates to Wire-stitching machines for stitching the seams of boxes and cartons and more particularly to improvements in wire-stitching machines of the type illustrated and described in my copending application issued into United States Letters Patent No. 2,266,550, dated December 16, 1941.

One of the objects of the present invention is to provide a machine of the type indicated with work-feeding means adapted to be alternately driven by a continuously-operating driving means or an intermittently-operating driving means.

Another object is to provide a machine of the type indicated in which the continuously-operating driving means is disconnected from the work-feeding means and the wire-stitching means connected to its driving means by individual electromagnet-actuated operating means.

Another object is to provide a machine of the type indicated in which the electromagnets are energized in timed sequence to permit the feeding of the work to be arrested before the beginning of a stitching operation.

Another object is to provide a machine of the type indicated in which the switches for controlling the electromagnets are actuated by a freely movable work-operated gauge whereby to prevent jamming or scuffing of the cartons to be stitched.

Another object is to provide a machine of the type indicated having an electromagnet-actuated starting means controlled by the insertion of the work and an electromagnet-actuated stopping means controlled by the operation of the wirestitching means.

Another object is to provide a machine of the type indicated in which the means for controlling the energization of the electromagnet of the stopping means is adjustable to adapt a stitching operation to be arrested after any predetermined number of stitches have been applied.

Another object is to provide a machine of the type indicated in which the control means is released by the actuation of the stopping means and automatically returned to initial position.

-' Another object is to provide a machine of the type indicated in which the return of the control means to initial position operates to deenergize the electromagnet of the stopping means.

Another object is to provide a machine of the type indicated having tie-stitch control means for decreasing the increment of movement of the work by the work-feeding means between the first two stitches and last two stitches of a row.

Another object is to provide a machine of the type indicated with tie-stitch control means of simplified construction which are adjustable to adapt them to be operated after any predetermined number of stitches have been applied.

Further objects of the invention are set forth in the following specification which describes a preferred form of construction of the machine, by way of example, as illustrated by the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view of a wirestitching machine incorporating the novel features of the present invention;

. Fig. 2 is an enlarged front elevational view of the right-hand end of the machine, as viewed in Fig. 1, showing the intermittently-operating driving means and the clutch for connecting it.

to the work-feeding means;

Fig. 3 is an enlarged front elevational view of the left-hand end of the machine, as viewed in Fig. 1, showing the clutch for connectin the continuously-operating driving means to the work-feeding means;

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the clutch illustrated in Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 is a transverse sectional view taken on.

line 5-5 of Fig. 3 showing the clutch shifting fork;

Fig. 6 is an elevational view partly in section of the left-hand end of the machine, as viewed line 99 of Fig. 8 showing the means for latching the clutch-operating means during a stitching operation;

Fig. 10 is a transverse sectional view taken on line Ill-16 of Fig. 2 showing the intermittentlyoperating means for driving the work-feeding means and the control means;

Fig. 11 is a transverse sectional view taken on line lI-H of Fig. 2 showing the brake means for preventing rebound of the control means.

when the latter is returned to initial position;

Fig. 12 is a transverse sectional view taken on line lZ-l2 of Fig. 2 showing the electromagnetoperated means for actuating the stopping means and releasing the control means and clutchoperating means;

Fig. 13 is a sectional view taken on line Iii-13 of Fig. 2 showing the stop for arresting the operation of the control means at the end of its re turn movement to initial position;

Fig. 14- is an elevational view of the righthand end of the machine, as viewed in Fig. 1, showing the relationship of the parts with the control dial in its initial position;

Fig. 15 is a View similar to Fig. 14 showing the switch-operator actuated by the adjustable arm on the control dial for operating the stopping means;

Fig. 16 is a transverse sectional view taken on line Iii-I6 of Fig. 14 showing the spring. for returning the control means to initial position;

Fig. 17 is a transverse sectional-view taken online l1l l of Fig. 2 showing the tie-stitch means operated by one of the cams on the control means at'the start of a stitchingopeiation;

Fig. 18 15a view similar to Fig. 17 showing the tie-stitch meansreleased by the cam after the.

first stitch has been driven and prior to its operation'bythe second cam;

Fig; 19 is a'sectional-view taken on line l9-l9 of Fig; 17 showing the tie-stitch key raised by the cam on the control means to disconnect the oscillating members of theintermittently-operating driving'means;

Fig; 20 is a plan-view of the work-operated gauge'showing the pair of switches and the longitudinally spaced relationship of the switchoperating means;

Fig. 21 is a view similar to Fig; 20 showing one of the switches'operatedto-energize the electromagnet for disconnecting the continuously-operating drive and connecting the intermittentlyoperating drive to the work-feeding means;

Fig. 22 is a view similarto-Fig; 21 showing the second switch operated toenergize the electromagnet for connecting'the wire-stitching means to the prime mover;

Fig; 23' is a part sectional-side elevationalview of the work-operated gauge-showing the rela tively movable parts foroperating the switches; and

Fig. 24 is a diagrammatic view of the electric circuitsfor the electromagnets.

It has heretofore been proposed to provide wire-stitchingmachines with work-feeding means alternately drivenbyseparate continuously-operating or intermittently-operating driving means asillustrated in the French patent toLeib. No.

8231351, issued October 4, 1937'. In such 1317101,-

machines, however; the'carton is advanced at a high rateof speed by the continuously-operating driving means into engagementwith a movable gauge directly connected tooperate the' clutch for coupling the prime'mover'to'the wire stitching means. The movement of thegauge in such a construction is opposed by the tension of springs, the inertia of connecting linkages and the frictional resistance of clutch-latching means. Asa result of the advancement of the carton by the feeding means against the resistance of the gauge the forward end of the carton is liable to be jammed and crushed and the sides of the carton engaged by the feeding means will be scufiedand abraded. Also, in such prior art machines the continuously-operating driving means is arranged to be disconnected from the work-- feeding means by a cam on-the drive shaftior the-wire-stitching-means so that the work-feeding means remains coupled to the continuouslyoperating driving means to feed the work after the wire-stitching means is coupled to its drive shaft. The carton will therefore continue to advance due to the momentum of the feeding means after the continuously-operating driving means is disconnected from the work-feeding means so that accurate positioning of the work at the beginning of a stitching operation cannot be obtained. I

General organization In accordance with the present invention a primemover, which may take the form of any suitable driving means, operates continuously and through suitable connections drives the workfeeding means. The work-feeding means when driven fromthe' prime mover advances a carton into the machine, and carries it against a freely movable gauge which offers negligible resistance to. the movement of the carton so that no jamming or scufling of the carton can occur. The first" movement of the gaugeoperates a switch in an electric circuit to' energize an electro-magnet which, throughsuitable' operating means, instantaneously actuatesone clutch to disconnect the work-feeding means from the continuouslyoperating prime mover and another clutch to connect the work-feedingmean's to an intermittently-operating driving means driven from the wire-stitching means. After the operation of the clutches by the electromagnet'a latch engages a linkage connecting 'the'twoclutches to retain one disconnected and the'other connected.

Upon operation of the clutches the movement of the work-feeding means is rapidly 'decelerate'd,

' due to the inertia of the intermittently-operating driving means. The'work and work-gauge, how-- ever, continue to advanceslightly due to momentum and just before the carton comes to rest the gauge operates a second switch which energizes an electromagnet connected to operate a clutch for coupling the wire-stitching means to the prime mover. The switchoperators on the gauge are adjustable,. one with respect to the other, to provide the proper time interval between the disconnection of the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means and the connection of the wire-stitching means with the prime mover to cause the feeding of the work to be arrested before a wirestitching operation is started whereby to properly position the work tobe stitched.

When connected with the prime mover the wire-stitching means and the work-feeding means driven intermittently therefrom operate in timed relation to alternately apply stitches and advance the work to stitch the seam of the carton. Operation ofthe wire-stitching means also operates a controlmeans with a step-bystep movement until an arm projecting from a control dial thereon comes into position to actuate a switch operator which, in turn, closes a switch to energize the electromagnet in circuit therewith. The last-named electromagnet is connected to operate a stopping means for arresting the operation of the wire-stitching means and to. simultaneously release the control means and clutch-latch. Upon release of the clutchlatch the clutches are. operated simultaneously by a spring. to disconnect the intermittentlyoperating driving means for the work-feeding means and connect the continuously-operating driving means thereto to discharge the stitched carton from the machine at a high rate of speed. Upon release of thecontrol means a clock-spring operates to return the same to its initial position. At the end of the return movement of the control means an arm thereon actuates the switch-operator to release the switch and deenergize the electromagnet for actuating the stopping means. The arms on the control means are relatively adjustable whereby to adapt them to actuate the switch-operator after any predetermined number of stitches have been applied.

A tie-stitch control means is also provided which is operative to decrease the increment of movement of the work by the work-feeding means to apply certain stitches closely adjacent each other, preferably at the beginning and end of a row of stitches. In accordance with the present invention the tie-stitch control means is operated by a pair of cams to regulate the spacing between the first two stitches and the last two stitches of a series; the cams being relatively adjustable to adapt the tie-stitch means to be operated after any predetermined number of stitches have been applied.

- Wire-stitching means and drive therefor The wire-stitching machine to which the improvements bf the present invention are applied is generally similar to that illustrated and described in my United States Letters Patent No. 2,266,550, referred to above. herein that the machine comprises a frame having a pedestal 2 with a horizontally extending arm 3 at its upper end, see Fig. 1. Below the arm 3 is a work-supporting table 4 mounted by means of brackets 5 on an I-beam 6 projecting laterally from the pedestal 2, the outer end of the I-beam being supported by a post 1. Projecting laterally from the pedestal 2 at the side opposite from the table 4 is a platform or shelf 8. Mounted on the platform 8 are four bearing brackets 9, l6, l1 and 59 in which the rotating parts of the machine are journaled, see Fig. 1.

A wire-stitching head H] is mounted at the end of the horizontally-extending arm 3 for operation by a drive shaft extending through the arm and projecting beyond the pedestal. The wire-stitching head l may be of any suitable construction and, as herein illustrated, is of the type shown and described in United States Letters Patent to H. G. Allen, No. 1,760,031, issued May 27, 1930. In the operation of this type of machine, during the first half revolution of the drive shaft II a length of wire is cut from the supply, bent into a U-shaped staple, driven into the work and clinched on the under side thereof and during the second half revolution of the drive shaft H the parts of the stitching mechanism are returned to initial position and another length of Wire is fed into the head. A flywheel I2 is mounted for rotation on the extended end of the drive shaft II and is continuously driven by a belt [4 from a suitable prime mover, herein illustrated as an electric motor l3. A clutch I is provided adjacent the fly-wheel |2 for connecting the latter to the drive shaft Depending from the head is a flap-guide and clincher anvil of the same construction as illustrated and described in my prior patent referred to above. I

Work-feeding means and drive therefor The work in the form of a carton blank W, shown in section in Fig. 6, is fed'either continuously or intermittently in timed relation to the wire-stitching mechanism by means of spaced pairs of, cooperating feed rolls l8 and I9, e

Sufiice it to state,

Fig. 1. The upper feed rolls l3 are mountedon a shaft 20 journaled in suitable bearings depending from the arm 3 and head H1. The lower cooperating feed rolls I9 act merely to press the work against the upper feed rolls l8, being mounted on a shaft 2| journaled in bearing blocks 22, see Figs. 1 and 6, which are mounted in pivoted rocker-arms 36 in the manner illustrated and described in my prior patent. The rocker-arms 36 are pinned to a shaft 31 journaled in suitable bearing brackets on the I-beam 6, see Figs. 1 and 6. Depending from the shaft '37 is an arm held against an adjustable abutment or stud 38 by means of a spring 39. By adjusting the abutment 38 the position of the rolls l9 may be altered in accordance with the thickness of the work to maintain it against the driven rolls 18 with the proper pressure.

The end of the shaft 20 projects beyond the bearing depending from the head I0 and is rotatably connected to the end of a shaft 23, see Fig. 4, in axial alinement therewith, the shaft 23 being journaled in a bearing 24 depending from a bracket 84 attached to the arm 3. The shaft 23 is adapted to be driven by continuously-operating driving means connected to the prime mover i3. To this end a pulley 25 having belt grooves 25 in its periphery and clutch-teeth 21 on one face, see Figs. 3 and 4, is mounted to rotate freely on the projecting end of the shaft 20. The clutch-teeth 2'! on the pulley 25 are adapted to engage with clutch-teeth 28 on a clutch-member 29 splined to the shaft 23. A spring 30 acting between a collar 3| fast on the shaft 23 and the clutch-member 29 normally operates the latter to ,engage its teeth 28 with the teeth 21 of the pulley 25. The pulley 25 is driven from a pulley 32 fast on a shaft 33 at the rear of the machine by means of belts 34, see Figs. 4, 6 and 1. The shaft 33 is journaled in suitable bearings in the head l0 and bearing bracket l1 and is driven from the fly-wheel l2 by means of a chain 35, see Figs. 2, 8 and 10. Thus, the fly-wheel |2 will operate through the chain 35, shaft 33, pulley 32, belt 34, pulley 25 and the clutch-member 29 to drive the 'feed rolls 8 and advance the work between the spaced pairs of feed rolls I8 and IS with a continuous movement.

The shaft 20 is also adapted to be driven with an intermittent motion when the teeth 28 of the clutch-member 29 are disengaged from the teeth 2! on the pulley 25. The intermittently-operating driving means receives motion from the drive shaft II for the wire-stitching head l0 through connections comprising an eccentric 40 on the shaft H which actuates a pitman 4|, see Figs. 2 and 10. The opposite end of the pitman 4| is pivotally connected to the spaced crankarms 42 and 43 of an oscillating member 44 rockably mounted on a control shaft 45. A second oscillating member 46 mounted on the hub of the oscillating member 44 between the crankarms 42 and 43 is connected for movement therewith by a rockable key 41, see Fig. 19. A crankarm 48 projecting from the oscillating member 46 is connected to the crank-arm 49 of a oneway clutch 50 by means of a link 5|. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the crank-arm 49 has a radial the latter with respect to the housing 54 .in .a' counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. .10; the rollers engaging frictionally with the .rim of the housing 54 to connect the parts for movement as a unit when the hub is moved in a clockwise direction. A brake-band 58 is preferably provided surrounding the housing 54.1; prevent uncontrolled movement thereof.

The shaft 55 is journaled for rotation in the bearing brackets I6 and.59 supported on the shelf or platform. 8 and has a clutch-member 68 splined thereto at its inner end. In alinement with the shaft 55 is a shaft 60 journaled in bearings in the bracket 9 and having a spur gear 84 pinned thereto. Thespur gear 04 has a laterallyprojecting hub I35 with clutch-teeth 66 on its end face adapted to cooperate with clutch-teeth 81 on the clutch-member 68. When the teeth 61 of the clutch member 68 are engaged with the clutch-teeth on the hub 65 of the gear 64the latter will be rotated from the shaft 55. The gear 64 meshes with a spur gear 09 on the end of a shaft 10 which is journaled in spaced bearings H in the bracket 9 and connected to the shaft 23, see Figs. 3 and 4, by means of a universal coupling 12.

Clutch-operating means for the work-feeding means The clutch-member 29 is disconnected from the pulley 25 and the clutch-member B8 engaged with the hub 65 of the gear 04 simultaneously by electromagnet-actuated operating means controlled by the position of the work. Referring to Fig. 1, an electromagnet is connected by a link 16 to one end of a lever 11 pivotally mounted intermediate its ends on a stud 18 projecting from the bearing bracket 84. The opposite end of the lever 11 is connected by a link 19 to one arm 80 of a bell-crank lever 8| secured fast to a shaft 82 journaled in a bearing 83 in the bracket 84, see Fig. 5. A clutch-shifting element 85 fast on the end of the shaft 82 projects beyond the bearing 83 and has a fork 86 carrying pins and shoes projecting into a peripheral groove 81 in the clutch-member 29 at opposite sides thereof.

A connecting rod 88 has a clevis at one end connected to the depending arm 89 of the bellcrank-lever 8I and an adjustable clevis at its epposite end connected to one end of a lever 90,

see Fig. 1. The lever 90 is fast on one end of a pivot stud 9| mounted in the bearing bracket I6 and on the opposite end of the stud is a shifting fork 14 carrying pins and shoes engageable in a groove 92 in the clutch-element 68,

see Figs. 2 and 12. The bell-crank-lever BI is rocked by the electromagnet 15 when the latter is energized as it acts through the link 16, lever 11 and link 19 to operate the clutch-shifting element 85 against the action of the spring 30 whereby to disconnect the continuously-operating driving means from the Work-feeding means. The bell-crank-lever BI transmits motion through the arm 89, connecting rod 88 and lever 90 to shift the clutch-element 68 into engagement with the hub 65 of the gear 64 to connect the intermittently-operating driving means to the work-feeding means.

Attached to the side of the clevis at the end of the connecting rod 88 is a bar 93 which projects beyond the lever 90 and has a slot 94 therein to provide a latching-shoulder 95. Upon movement of the connecting rod 88 and bar 93 to the right, as viewed in Fig. 2, a pivoted latchingmember 96, see Figs. 2 and 12, is actuated by a spring'9'1 to causeits end to enter the slot 94 in the bar 93 and engage the latching-shoulder 95. As illustrated'in'Fig. 12, the latching-member is pivotedintermediate its ends on a stud 98 and has a beveled cam-face 99 at its rearward end. Engagement of the pivoted latchingmember 96 with the latching-shoulder of the bar 913 acts to hold the clutch-member 29 disconnected fromthe pulley 25 and the clutch-member 68 engaged with the hub 65 of the gear 64.

Starting means The stitching operation is started by connecting the fly-wheel I2 to the drive shaft II for the stitcher head I0 by means of the clutch I5. The clutch i5 is substantially of the type illustrated and described in United States Letters Patent to A. H. Maynard, No. 1,495,342, issued May 27, 1924. Suffice it to state herein that the clutch is normally held inoperative or disconnected by a pin I00, see Fig, 8, projected into the clutch by the spring IOI and is operative to couple the fly-wheel to the shaft II when the pin is withdrawn against the action of the spring. The pin I00 is withdrawn against the action of the spring IOI by means of a double bell-crank-lever I02 having one arm projecting into a peripheral groove I03 in the pin and another arm. projecting at right-angles thereto. The bell-crank-lever I02 is arranged to be actuated by an electromagnet I 04 connected thereto by link I05. When the electromagnet I04 is energized it operates through the link I05 and bell-crank-lever I02 to withdraw the pin I00 against the action of the spring IOI to couple the fly-wheel I2 to the drive shaft II.

Upon energization of the electromagnet I04 and withdrawal of the pin I00 a latching-element I00 operates automatically to engage a pin I01 carried by the link I05 to retain the clutch con trol pin I00 retracted, see Figs. 8 and 9. The latching-element I 08 is clamped to one of the bearing hubs I01 of a frame I08 rockably mounted on the continuously-operating shaft 33 for driving the work-feeding rolls I8. The latchingelement I06 has an offset latch-shoulder I09 and upon energization ofthe electromagnet I04 the pin I01 carried by the link I05 moves from the position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 9 to that indicated by dash lines. Then as the frame I08 carrying the latching-element I06 is rocked by a spring II2 from the position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 9 to that indicated by dash lines its latching-shoulder I09 is engaged with the pin I01 on the link I05. The frame I08 has a laterally projecting arm IIO carrying an adjustable abutment III at .its end, the adjustable abutment being illustrated in the form of a setscrew. The adjustable abutment III is adapted to be engaged by stopping. means, to be described later, to rock the frame I08 from the position indicated by dash lines in Fig. 9 to that illustrated in full lines to release the pin I01. Upon release of the pin I01 from the latching-element I06 the spring I M acts to project the pin I00 into the clutch I5 to uncouple thefly-wheel I2 from the drive-shaft I2 and rock the bell-cranklever I02 to the position illustrated in Fig. 8.

Work-operated gauge The energization of the electromagnets I5 and I04 is controlled by a work-operated gauge H3, see Fig. 6. The work-operated gauge II 3 is i1- lustrated in detailin Figs. 20 to 23 and is generally similar to the gauge illustrated and described in my prior patent, referred to above. Sufiice it to state herein that the gauge II3 comprises an upper stationary plate H5 supported from an arm II6 depending from the frame of the stitcher head I0, see Figs. 20 and 23. Slidably mounted on the under side of the stationary plate H5 is a plate II1 having studs H8 projecting through elongated slots H9 in the stationary plate with washers I20 overlying the top face of the latter under the heads of the studs. A block I2I mounted on the sliding plate III is adapted to be clamped in different positions of adjustment along the length of the plate. A depending bifurcated gate I22 having spaced bearing portions pivoted to opposite sides of the block I2I is adapted to be engaged by the work, that is, the end of the carton blank W, indicated by dash lines in Fig. 23.

The gate I22 is held in its vertical position illustrated in Fig. 23 by means of a latch I23 mounted on a square shaft I24, the latter having bearings at its ends rotatably mounted in arms I25 carried at the ends of the sliding plate II 'I. A spring I26 acting between one of the arms I25 and one end of the square shaft I24 normally tends to rock the latter to engage the latch I23 with one bearing portion of the gate I22 to hold it in its vertical position. An arm I2I at the opposite end of the square shaft I24 underlies a reciprocating part I28 of the stitcher head I and is engaged by a finger 'I29 thereon during the applying of a stitch S to the work. Rocking movement of the arm I2I rocks the square shaft I24 and latch I23 to release the gate I22 whereby it can swing to permit the work to pass thereunder. As thus far described the work-operated gauge is substantially identical with that illustrated and described in my prior application referred to above.

Fastened to the fixed plate H is a switch block I33 mounting two separate switches I 34 and I35. The switches I34 and I35 may be of any suitable type and, as herein illustrated, each switch comprises a pair of spaced contacts I36 and I3! adapted to be bridged by a metallic ring I38 carried by a plunger I39. A spring I40 acting between the block I33 and the plunger I39 tends to move the plunger to disengage the metallic bridging element from engagement with 1:1

the spaced contacts I36 and I31. Projecting forwardly from the plunger I39 of each switch is a contact element I4 I.

The operator for the switches I34 and I35 comprises a post I42 fixedly mounted on the sliding g plate II! and projecting upwardly through an elongate slot I 43 in the fixed plate I I5. The post I42 carries adjustable abutments I44 and I45 engageable with the contact elements I4I of the switches.

screws screwed into the post I42. In accordance with the present invention the adjustable abutment I44 is positioned forwardly of the adjustable abutment I45 to adapt it to engage and As herein illustrated the adjustable abutments I44 and I45 are in the form of set- ,I56 from the pawls I5I and I53.

The switch I controls the energization of the electromagnet I04 for withdrawing the pin I00 from the clutch I5, see Fig.8, to couple the flywheel I2 to the drive shaft II. It will be observed that the movable plate III of the work operated gauge I I3 will offer very little resistance to the movement of the work W whereby to avoid jamming of the work against the depending gate I22 or scufiing of the work by the rotation of the feed rolls I8. It will also be observed that the switch I34 is closed prior to the switch I35 to provide a time interval between the feeding of the work by the continuously-operating driving means and the operation of the stitching means I9 to permit the work to come to a stop prior to the commencement of the stitching operation.

. Control means The stopping of the stitching operation is governed by the control shaft 45, previously referred to, which is operated in timed relation to the wire-stitching means. The control shaft 45 is mounted for rotation in the bearing brackets I6 and 59 supported on the platform 8 of the machine frame, see Fig. 2. Mounted on the inner end of the control shaft 45 is a ratchet-wheel I50 positioned closely adjacent the crank-arm 42 of the oscillating member 44. Mounted on the side of the crank-arm 42 of the oscillating member 44 is a pawl I5I, see Fig. 10, which overlies the teeth on the ratchet-wheel I50 and is yieldingly engaged therewith by means of a spring I52. A check-pawl I53 rockably mounted on the bearing bracket I6 is engaged with the teeth of the ratchet-wheel by a spring I49 to hold the ratchet-wheel between strokes of the pawl I5I. As the crank-arm 42 of the oscillating member 44 is reciprocated by the eccentric and pitman M the pawl I5I acts to index the ratchet-wheel I50 ahead through a distance of one tooth.

Rockably mounted on the control shaft adjacent the ratchet-wheel I is a release plate I54, see Fig. 10, having cam-lobes I55 and I56 engageable with the pawls I5I and I53 to release them from engagement with the teeth on the ratchet-wheel I50. The lobe I55 of the release plate I54 also acts as a support on which the pawl I 5| slides during part. of its operative stroke to limit the advancement of the ratchet-wheel to one tooth only for each stitch applied. Projecting upwardly from the release plate I54 is an arm I51 connected to a spring I58 for rocking the release plate in clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 10, to disengage the lobes I55 and A laterallyprojecting pin I is also provided on the arm I5! for engagement with the beveled cam-face 99, previously described, on the latch-member 96, see Fig. 12, to release it from the shoulder of the slide bar 93, see Fig. 2. Depending from the release plate I54 is an arm I59 connected to one end of a link I60.

The opposite end of the link I60, see Fig. 12, is connected to the upright arm I6I of a bellcrank-lever I52 and the rearward end of the link constitutes a hunter for engagement with the adjustable abutment III of the rockable frame I08 of the stopping mechanism. The opposite lateral arm I63 of the bell-crank-lever I62 is connected to the plunger of an electromagnet I64 by means of a link I 65. Thus, upon energization of the electromagnet I64 the frame I08 of the stopping mechanism is rocked to release the latching element I06 from engagement with ffifth slots HI.

the pin 10! ,on the :link 105,- see Fig. {8, whereby ithe spring I I-projects :the zplunger :I0 0 into the clutch I to uncouple'the fly-wheel 5' t2 from the drive shaft II and simultaneously rocks the "release {1312.126 I54 to'release the :pawls1I15I and .153 from engagement-with the teeth on'the ratchetwheel I50.

Keyed to :the outer end of thecontrol shaft 451s a dial'IHl, see Figs. 1.4 to 16, having an'ofi'set rim provided -.with a series of radial slots I'iI. vIn accordance with the present invention-there is aslot III forfeach'tooth on'the ratchet-wheel :I.50-.whereby' the rotation of the control shaft -45 a distance'ofone tooth by the oscillating member'44 .willrotate the disk I a corresponding angular :distance. -'As the present machine is adapted to apply any number of stitches from one to thirty-six,cthere are thirty-five radial slots "I with the slots indicated by suitable index numbers. ,The dial I110 has a chordal slot H2 in its peripheryfor mounting a T-shaped bracket .II3 bymeans .of screws I14, the bracket having an-arm 1.15 projecting radially beyond the periphery of the disk between the first and thirty- Freely mounted for rotation on the outer end of 'the control shaft "45 is ahub I691having a radially-extending flange I76 with a.centrally disposed radial'slot In. .An arm VH8 positionedlin the .slot .IL'IT is pivotally .mounted for rockingmovement on a pin H8 extending across theslot. ,The arm I18 is adaptedto .be rocked on the pin I19 into engagement'with any oneof'theradial slots III in the disk I10 and is of .such"length as to adapt its end to project beyond the periphery of the dial. "The 'armTIB '.is retained .inthe appropriate slot into which it has'been entered manuallyfby means of a springpressed detent I 80. 'Theileteht I 80 maybe in the form of 'a"hardene'd"ball, see Fig. 14,slidable in a.boss in the flange .I'ISand engageable with a recess IBI in the arm I18. The hub I69 is retained axially in position on the shaft 45 by means of .a collar I82 pinned to the outerend of the shaft.

The ends of the .arms I and H8 areadapted .to engage and actuate a switch-operating frame I85rockably mounted on a stud I85, see Figs. 2, 14 and 15. Thestud I85 is bolted to thefoot of the bearing bracket 59 and has an annular flange I88. The rockable frame !85 has a hub I80 rock- .ably mounted on thereduced projecting end of the stud I85 and spaced radial arms I90 connected at their upper ends by a cross-pin I9I. Between the hub I89 of the rockableframe I85 andQthe radial .flange .188 of the stud I86,is a .friction washer I02 and abutting the opposite end of the hub l89.is a washer I83. The washer I93 is yieldingly forced against the end of the hubI89 'an'd'the opposite end of the hub is forced against the washer I92'by means of 'a spring I94 acting between the washer I93 and nut I95 on the reduced'end o'f the-stud I88. Thus, the rock- .able frame I85'is adapted'to be "frictionally held ,in'any position to which it is rocked. Mounted in a boss I98 on the hub I 83 of the rockable frame I85 between the arms 590 is an adjustable abutment I99 herein illustrated in the form of a set-screw, see Fig. 15. Projecting laterally from theinside'arm I80 of the rockableframe I85 is a'finger280 mounting an adjustable abutment2'0l similar to the-abutment I89.

Adjacent the rocka'ble frame I85 isa pair of electricalswitches 202 :and ::203 located in position tobe'engaged by'the'abutment I99 and respectively. "The switches T202 and 203 maybe stop :member 2 I2.

of any suitable constructionfbut, as herein illus- :trated, areof the push-buttontype and mounted on asuitable bracket 204 projecting from the bearing bracket-59 supported on the platform 8.

'The switch 202 is "electrically connected to the electromagnet IE4 and the switch 203 is connected at one side of the power supply line to open the entire circuit upon failure of the switch 202 to operate, see'Fig. 24.

Upon energization of :the .electromagnet I 64 and release of the-control shaft 45 'by the disengagement of the apawls If5I iand I53 from the ratchet-wheel I50 a clock-type spring'206 operzates -on the controlshaftto return it to initial 3 position, see "Fig. .16. .The spring 200 is ofidenticalconstruction with that illustrated and described in my priorapplication, referreditmabove, having one end extending-throughaslot ,in the shaft 45 and its=opposite end.attached"to an enclosing housing 201. The .housing 201,may be turned *withmespect to the shaft .45 to tension the spring206 and then looked in .positionrby a pin 203 depending from abracket .209 on the "bearing frame'r59'and engagingone of a series of holes in the housing. Upon return rotation'of the control shaft a45-under -.the operation :of the spring 206 the projecting 'end of the arm :I 'I5, -moving in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 15,-'engages ;the cross-pin I9I of the rock- I able frame -I to rock the latter to the-position illustrated 'in Fig/:14 .to release the plunger 205 of theswitch 202; therockable'frame I85. having been held in-zthezpositionillustrated in Fig. 15 by the frictionwashers "I 921and I I 93 engaging the ends of its hub I89.

'To limit .the return movement of the control shaft 45 -and accurately posit-i'on .nthelarm M8 .-;at the start of'a newstitching operationa stop member 2 I2 is;providedz'on theishaft45 .havingmeans engageable with an abutment 2I3','see:Figs. '2 and 13. As illustratedmostclearly in Fig-1-3the'stop member 2I-2 is inthe formrof a-collarpinnedto the-shaft $45 and having --a radialshoulder-ZM. The abutment 2I-3 is in the :form of :a.:fin ger mounte'd on astu'd 2I0:held:in anenlargedihole 2II in a stationary bracket 2I5 and yieldingly held maintained in the position illustratedin full 'lines'in Fig. 13 byaspring 2I6 on the stud to'adapt its end to engage the shoulder 2I4 onthe The abutment '2 I3 is fadapted to rock to the position indicated bydash lines in Fig. '13 "againsttheaction of the spring .216

as the stop member 2 I 2 rotates during the-stitchingoperation.

To cushion :the :action of 'therockab-le frame I85 when rocked -,by the extended end of the arm I15 .a yielding :abutment or rubber :bufier 2I'I is provided projecting laterally from the bracket 59 and overlying one of thearms 7 I of theiframe to'adaptit :to'be engaged thereby, see 'Figs'Z and 14. .To'preventreboun'd o'f the;control shaft 45 when it isreturned'to'initialposition under the action of the spring 206 a brakemember 2I9 is provided on the control shaft 45 engageable by a spring-pressed 'lever 220, see Figs..2 and 11. The brake-member 2I0 is in the form of a disk having a semicircular notch or 'recess.22l in its periphery. The lever 220 is inlthe form of .a beILcr-ankpivotally mounted on the bracket 59 andhavinga laterally-projecting pin 24:23 at one end engageable with the notch 22I .in the brake disk -2I9. The opposite arm ..of the lever 2-20 is engagedeby a-spring 2-24 mounted on a dependingpin --225 'held-in .a .lug 226 on the bracket 59 and acting between the lever and the .lug to yieldingly rock the lever to engage the pin 223 with the notch 22I.

Tire-stitch mechanism herein that the tie-stitch mechanism comprises the key 41 pivotally mounted on the oscillating member 45 and engageable with a notch 235 in the oscillating member 44 to connect the two members for movement as a unit, see Figs. 18 and 19. By rocking the key 41 to the position illustrated in Fig. 19 the oscillating member 44 is adapted for relative movement with respect to the oscillating member 46. An adjustable abutment 23! on the flange 43 of the oscillating member 44 then engages the side of the key 41 to rock the oscillating member 48, but with lostmotion whereby to operate the work-feed rolls I8 through a shorter arc of movement and thereby decrease the increment of movement of the work between stitches S. The end of the key 4! overhangs the flange 43 of the oscillating member 44 and overlies an arcuate lever 232. The arcuate lever 232 ispivotally mounted on a pin 233 projecting from the bracket 239, see Figs. 2 and 18, the arcuate lever having a tailpiece 234 engageable with a pin 235 on the bracket to limit its rocking movement in clockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 18. Projecting laterally from the side of the arcuate lever 232 is a lug 236 having its sides beveled or inclined.

The operating mechanism for the tie-stitch means comprises a pair of cams 231 and 238 mounted on the control shaft 45, see Figs. 2, 17 and 18. The cam 23! is in the form of a hub keyed to the shaft 45 and having a lobe 239 projecting radially therefrom, the cam being retained in operative position by a set-screw 245. The cam 23% is in the form of a hub rotatable on the hub of the cam 23! and having a radiallyprojecting lobe 243. The cam 233 is angularly adjustable with respect to the cam 23'! and has an outer beveled end 24I, see Fig. 2, marked with a suitable index which cooperates with a setmark 242 on the hub of the cam 23! to adapt the cams to be set to operate the arcuate lever 232 at the beginning of a stitching operation and after any predetermined number of stitches 3 have been applied. The cam 233 is locked in adjusted position on the hub of the cam 231 by means of a set-screw 243. The lobes 239 and 24!] of the cams 231 and 238 are so arranged as to engage the laterally-projecting lug 236 on the arouate lever 232 and thereby rock the key 41 to uncouple the oscillating members 44 and 46. Preferably, the cam 23! is fixed in such position on the shaft 45 that the lobe 23!! engages the lug .236 when the control shaft is in its initial position, see Fig. 17, and the lobe 240 of the cam 23B will engage the lug 235 during the application of the next to the last stitch S. A preferred embodimentrof the invention having now been described in detail the mode of operation of the complete machine is explained as follows:

Mode of operation At the beginning of a stitching operation the motor I 3, energized by closing a power line switch 244, see Fig. 24, drives the fly-wheel I2 by means of the belt I4 and through the chain 35 drives the shaft 33. The clutch-member 29 being en'- gaged with the pulley 25 and the clutch-member 28 being disengaged from the hub of the gear 34, the pulley 32 on the shaft 33 drives the shaft carrying the work-feeding rolls I8. Consequently, the work-feed rolls l8 will be rotated continuously at high speed.

To start the stitching operation a carton W is inserted between the spaced pairs of feed rolls I8 and I9 and is advanced thereby to engage its end with the depending gate I22 of the workoperated gauge I I3, see Fig. 6. Upon engagement of the end of the carton W with the gate I22 the lower plate II I of the gauge 1 I3 will slide with respect to the fixed plate II5 thereby causing the abutment I44 carried by the post I42 on the sliding plate to engage and operate the plunger I39 of the switch I34 to close the circuit of the electromagnet 75, see Figs. 21 and 24. Energization of the electromagnet '15 causes it to act through the link 16, lever 11 and bell-crank lever 8!; see Fig. 3, to slide the clutch-member 29 against the action of the spring 35 to uncouple it from the pulley 25. Operation of the bell-cranklever BI, acting through the connecting rod 88, rocks the lever 93 to engage the clutch-member 68 with the hub 65 of the gear 54. Simultaneously with the operation of the clutch-members 29 and E3 the slide bar 93 is moved to the right, as viewed in Fig. 2, whereby the latch-member operated by the spring 91 engages the notch 94 in the slide bar to latch the connecting rod 88 against movement in the opposite direction. Thus, the feed rolls I8 are disconnected from the continuously-operating driving means and connected to the intermittently-operating driving means, causing rapid deceleration in the speed of the rolls by the action of the brake-band 58 on the clutch housing 54.

Before the feed rolls I8 come to rest, however, the slide II! of the work-operated gauge II3 will have been moved to the position illustrated in Fig. 22 to close the switch I35 and thereby energize the electromagnet I84. Energization of the electromagnet I04 causes it to operate through the link I05 and bell-crank-lever I02 to withdraw the pin I00 from the clutch l5 against the action of the spring IElI, see Fig. 8. The pin I5I] is latched in retracted position by the engagement of the latching member I 05 with the pin IU'I on the link I05, see Fig. 9. Withdrawal of the pin I5I: causes the clutch I5 to couple the fiy-wheel I2 to the drive shaft II for operating the stitcher head I0.

During the first half revolution of the drive shaft II the stitcher head I0 is operated to apply a stitch S to the work W and the eccentric 4!] drives the pitman 4| through its forward stroke, see Fig. 10. Operation of the pitman 4I through its forward stroke carries the oscillating members 44 and 46 through their forward stroke, and the latter operating through the crank-arm 48 and link 5!, see Fig. 2, operate the one-way clutch 50 through an idle stroke. During the forward stroke of the oscillating member 44 the pawl I5I rides on the lobe I55 of the release plate "I54 during part of its stroke and thereafter engages a cntro1 shaft 45 during the remainder of the stroke, see Fig. 10. During the second half revolution of the drive shaft II the pitman 4I 'isimoved'through its return stroke thereby rock- :ing'the oscillating member 44through its return stroke. The key 41 of the-tie-stitching mechanism being raised to the position illustrated in Fig. 17 by the arcuate lever 232 and cam 23'! releases the oscillating member 46 from the 0scillating member 44 whereby lost-motion between ithe-partsoccurs until the abutment 23I on the oscillating member 44 engages the side of the key. The motion of the oscillating member 46 is ithefirst stitch to provide a tie-stitch at the beginning of the row and the control shaft 45 is :rotated simultaneously therewith. Rotative movement of the control shaft 45 acts to move the lobe 239 of the cam 23'! from under the lug "236 of the arcuate lever232 whereby the key 41 'is rocked into engagement with the notch 230 in the flange of the oscillating member 44'to connec't the oscillating members to operate as a unit.

The stitching head I0 continues to operate to apply stitches and the oscillating members 44 and 45 continue to operate the work-feeding means toadvance the work a normal increment of movement between stitches until the next to the last stitch is being driven. When the next to the last stitch is being driven the control shaft 45 will have been indexed around by the ratchetwheel I50 to bring the'lobe 240 of the cam 238 into engagement with the lug 236 to lift the arcuate lever 232 and key 41, whereby to cause the work W to be advanced with a reduced increment of movement between the next to the "last andthe last stitch to provide a tie-stitch at the end of the row.

During the application of the last stitch the control shaft 45 is again advanced and the arm I18, having been set in the proper notch III in the dial I for the particular number of stitches S to be applied during a stitching operation, will engage the cross-pin I9I of the frame I85 and rock it to the position ilustrated in Fig. to

close the switch 202. Closing of the switch 202 energizes the electromagnet I64 which operates through the link I65 and bell-crank-lever I52,

see Fig. '12, to engage the end of the link I60 'with the adjustable abutment II I on the rocking frame I 08 and move the latter to the position illustrated in full lines in Fig. 9. This rocking movement'of the frame I08 releases the pin i0! carried by the link I05, whereby the spring IOI :projects the pin I00 into the clutch I5, see Fig. 8,

to uncouple the fly-wheel I2 from the drive shaft 'II at the completion of the cycle of operation of the wire-stitching head I0'to apply the last stitch.

Simultaneously with the operation of the rocking frame I08 the bell-crank-lever E82, operating through the link I80, rocks the release plate I54 in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 10, against the action of the spring I58.

Rocking movement of the release plate I54 causes-its lobes I55 and I58 to engage the pawls 'I5I and I53 and release them from engagement with the teeth on the ratchet wheel I50. Upon {tooth on the ratchet-wheel 150 -to .rotate the release of the pawls I5I .and 51.53 the spring .205,

:see Fig. 16, "will rotate the .control 'shaft ate return it to its initial position lwhereaits motion is arrested by the engagement of the shoulder 2 I4 on the stop collar 212=withthe abutment 2I3, see Fig. 13, any rebound of the parts being prevented by the engagementof 'the pin 223 with the safety .switch .203, see Fig. 2, to cause the latter to open the ,power line circuit to the mato release the connecting rod 88.

the notch 22I in-the brake disk '2I9'on the eontrol shaft, see Fig. 11.

Upon rocking movement of the release plate I54 the pin I56 on the arm I5'I will engage the beveled cam-face 99 on the latch 96 and'rockit by the movement of the connectingrod to disengage the clutch-member .68 from the hub 0510f the gear 54. Thus, the intermittently-operating driving means is disconnected from the workfeeding means and the continuously-operating driving means is connected thereto to rotate the feed rolls I8 at high speed and discharge the work from the machine. At the :end of the return movement of .the controlshaft 45 the projecting .end of the arm I'I5 on the dial I10 'engages the cross-pin I'9I carried by the frame I and .rocks the latter to the position illustrated in Fig. 14 to release the plunger 205 of the switch.202. In case of ,failure of the switch 202 to operate, or if for any other reason the stitching head.I0 continues its o,peration;the abutment 201 on the frame I85 will engage the plunger of chine, seeFig. 24. I

Acomplete cycle of operationsof .the machine as above explained is again initiated by Vmerely inserting another carton W to be stitched. The machine maybe adjusted to apply any,predetermined number of stitches S by merely turning .the collar I69 on the control shaft 45 and rocking the arm I18 into engagement with the proper slot III as indicated by theindex number. The tie-stitch cams 231 and 238..may.be adjusted by loosening the set-screw 243 and turning the cam 238 with respect to the cam 23! until the ,proper index number on .one alines with the set-mark on the other and then tightening the set-screw.

'It a tie-stitch is not required ,theset-screw 245 of the tie-stitch cam 23'! may he loosened and the cams slid longitudinally on the shaft 45 to their inoperative position indicated by dash lines .in Fig. '2.

It will be observed from the foregoing specification that the present invention provides a machine for stitching the seams of cartons or for similar work comprising continuously-operating driving means which is disconnected from thework-feeding means before the wire-stitching means is operated whereby to provide a time interval therebetween. It will be observed further that the present invention provides a freely movable work-'operatedgauge for controlling the disconnection of the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means adapted to control electric circuits whereby 'a minimum resistance is offered to the advancement of the work to avoid jamming or scuffing of the carton. It will be observed still "further that a greatly simplified controlmeans and'tie-stitch means isiprovided'as compared toithat illustrated and described in my prior application referred to above.

While a preferred form of the machine is herein shown and described it will be understood that,

modifications may be made in the construction and arrangement of its parts without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, other types of friction clutches may be used and equivalent operating parts are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, without limiting myself in this respect, I claim:

1. In a machine of the type indicated, a continuously-operating prime mover, wire-stitching means, work-feeding means driven from the prime mover, intermittently-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the Work-feeding means from the prime mover, and means operated independently of and after the operation of the last-named means for connecting the wire-stitching means and intermittently-operating means to the prime mover whereby to provide a time interval between the operation of the disconnecting means and the operation of the connecting means.

2. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, work-feeding means, continuously-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, intermittently-operating means for driving the Work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means and connecting the intermittently-operating driving means thereto, and means operated after the last-named means for connecting the intermittently-operating driving means to the prime mover whereby to provide a time interval between the disconnection of the continuously-operating driving means and the operation of the intermittent driving means by the prime mover.

3. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire stitching means, work feeding means, continuously-operating means for driving the Work-feeding means, intermittently-operating means for driving the Work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means and connecting the intermittentlyoperating driving means thereto, and means operated after the last-named means for connecting the wire-stitching means to the prime mover whereby to provide a time interval between the disconnection of the continuously-operating driving means and the operation of the wirestitching means.

4. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire stitching means, work feeding means, continuously-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, intermittently-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means and connecting the intermittentlyoperating driving means thereto, and means operated after the last-named means for connecting the wire-stitching means and intermittently-operating driving means to the prime mover whereby to provide a time interval between the disconnection of the continuously-operating driving means and the operation of the wire-- mover, wire-stitching means, feeding means continuously engaging the work, continuouslyoperating meansfor driving the work-feeding means, intermittently-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, separate clutches for connecting the continuously-operating drivingmeans and intermittently-operating driving means to the work-feeding means, means for simultaneously operating the clutches to disconnect the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means and connecting the intermittently-operating driving means thereto, and means operated after the last named means for connecting the wire-stitching means and inte'rmittently-operating driving means to the prime mover.

6. Ina machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, work-feeding means, continuously-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, 'intermittently-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, means controlled by the movement of the work for disconnecting the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means, and a second means controlled. by the movement of the work and operated independently of and after the operation of the last-named means for connecting the wire-stitching means and intermittently-operating driving means to the prime mover.

7,.In a machine of the type indicated, wirestitching means, work-feeding means, continuously operating means for driving the work-feeding means, intermittently-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, means for disconnecting. the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means, electrical means for operating the last-named means, and a freely movable gauge operable by the movement of the work for controlling theelectrical means.

8. In a machine of the type indicated, a continuously-operating prime mover, wire-stitching means; work-feeding means driven from the prime mover,intermittently-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the work-feeding means from the prime mover, an electromagnet for operating the last-named means, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the electric circuit, a freely movable gauge operable by the work for closing the switch to energize the circuit, and means for connecting the wire-stitching means and intermittently-operating means to be driven from the prime mover.

9., In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, work-feeding means, means continuously-operated by the prime mover for driving the work-feeding means, means intermittently-operated by the prime mover for driving the work-feeding means, clutches for disconnecting the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means and connecting the intermittently-operating driving means thereto, an electromagnet for operating the lastnamed means, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, and a freely movable gauge operable by the work for closing the switch to energize the circuit.

10. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, work-feeding means, continuously-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, intermittently-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, clutch means for simultaneously disconnecting the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means and connecting the intermittently-operating driving means theretoya second clutch means for connecting the wirestitching means and intermittently-operating driving means to be driven from the prime mover, electromagnets for operating the clutch means, electric circuits for the .electromagnets, and switches in the circuits operable by the work, said switches being closed in timed sequence by the work to operate the first clutch means and thereafter operate the second clutch means.

11. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, work-feeding means, means driven from the prime mover and normally connected to the work-feeding means to cause the work to be fed continuously at high speed, a clutch connecting the last-named means to the work-feeding means, means operated from the wire-stitching means and adapted to operate the work-feeding means to advance the work intermittently, a clutch for connecting the lastnamed means to the work-feeding means, means for simultaneously operating the clutches to connect one driving means to the work-feeding means and disconnect the other driving means therefrom, a third clutch for connecting the wirestitching means to the prime mover, separate electromagnets for actuating the operating means for the first two clutches and the third clutch, electric circuits for the electromagnets, and switches in the circuits operable by the work, said switches being closed in timed sequence by the work to operate the first and second clutches and thereafter operate the third clutch.

12. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, means for feeding the work to the wire-stitching means, means for connecting the prime mover to the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the prime mover from the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means, an electromagnet for operating the last-named means, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, and control means operated in timed relation to the operation of the wire-stitching means for operating the switch to energize the electromagnet.

13. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, means for feedin the work to the wire-stitching means, means for connecting the prime mover to the wire-stitching means and Work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the prime mover from the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means, an electromagnet for operating the last-named means, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, control means operated in timed relation to the operation of the wire-stitching means for operating the switch to energize the electromagnet, and means for adjusting the control means to operate the switch after any predetermined number of stitches have been applied.

14. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, means for feeding the work to the wire-stitching'means, a clutch between the prime mover and wire-stitching means, means normally acting to hold the clutch disengaged, means operated by the work for actuating the clutch to connect the. prime mover to the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means, a latch for retaining the clutch connected, a latch-trip for releasing the clutch, an electromagnet for operating the latch-trip, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, and control means operated in timed relation to the operation of the wire-stitching means for 75 operating the switch to energize the electromagnet.

15. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, means for feeding the work to the wire-stitching means, means for connecting the prime mover to th wire-stitching means and work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the prime mover from the wirestitching means and work-feeding means, an electro-magnet for operating the last-named means, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, control means operated in timed relation to the operation of the wire-stitching means for operating the switch to energize the electromagnet, means for returning the control means to initial position, and means operatedby the electromagnet for initiating the operation of the means for returning the control means.

16. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, means for feeding the work to the wire-stitching means, means for connecting the prime mover to the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the prime mover from the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means, an electromagnet for operating the last-named means, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, control means operated in timed rela-. tion to the operation of the wire-stitching means, means for returning the control means to initial position, an arm on the control means for operating the switch to energize the electromagnet, means operated by the electromagnet for initiating the operation of the means for returning the control means, and a second arm on the com trol means for operating the switch to open the circuit at the end of the return movement of the control means to initial position. v

17. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, means for feedin the work to the wire-stitching means, starting means operated by the work for connecting the prime mover to drive the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means, control means operated in timed relation to the operation of the wirestitching means, means for returning the control means to initial position, an electromagnet for arresting the operation of the wire-stitching means and initiating operation of the means for returning the control means to initial position, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the electric circuit, and an adjustable arm on the control means for operating the switch to energize the electromagnet.

18. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, work-feeding means, continuously-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, intermittently-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, means for dis-connecting the continuously-operating driving means from the work-feeding means, a latch for engaging the last-named means to retain the continuously-operating driving means disconnected from the work-feeding means, means operative after the operation of the disconnectin means for connecting the wire-stitching means and-intermittently-operating means to the prime mover, and electromagnet-operated means con trolled by the operation of the wire-stitching means for disconnecting the wire-stitching means and intermittently-operating means from the prime mover and tripping the latch to permit the continuously-operating driving means to be connected to the work-feeding means.

19. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime meter, wireestitchine means; work-feeding means, continuously-operating; meansv for driving the work-feeding means, intermittently Qnerating means, for driving the work-feeding means, means for disconnecting the continuously-operating. means from. the work-feeding ans. a latch for engaging the last-named means to retain the. continuously-operating drivin means disconnected from the work-feeding means, electromagnet-operated means. for connecting the wire-stitching. means and intermittently-operating means to. the prime. mover, a circuitfor the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit operable by thev work: for energizing the. electromagnet,. control: means. operated in timed relationto, the operation of the wire-stitching means, means. for returning the. control means. to initial position, electromagnet,-operated means for disconnecting. the wire-stitching means and intermittently-operating driving means from the prime mover, said: electromagnet -operated means acting to, initiate the return of: the control means and. to trip, the latch topermit the continuouslyoperating driving means to be connected to the work-feeding means, an electric circuit for the last-named electromagnet, and a switch in the circuit operated by the control means to energize said electromagnet.

20. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, means for feeding the work to the wire-stitching means, a clutch for connecting the prime mover to the wirestitching means and work-feeding means, an electromagnet for operating the clutch, a circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit adapted to be operated by the movement of the work, control means operated in timed relation to the operation of the wire-stitching means, a second electromagnet for operating the clutch to disconnect the wire-stitching means and workfeeding means from the prime mover, an electric circuit for the second electromagnet, and a switch in the circuit operated by the control means to stop a stitching operation.

21. In a machine of the type indicated, a prime mover, wire-stitching means, work-feeding means, continuosly-operating means for driving the work-feeding means, means operated intermittently from the wire-stitching means for driving the work-feeding means, means for disconmeeting the continuously-operating driving means from the Work-feeding means and connecting the intermittently operated driving means thereto, an electromagnet for operating the lastnamed means, a clutch for connecting the prime mover to the wire-stitching means, an electromagnet for operating the clutch, work-operated switches for energizing the electromagnets in timed sequence, control means operated in timed relation to the wire-stitching means, an electromagnet for operating the clutch connecting the prime mover to the wire-stitching means to arrest operation of the latter, and a switch operated by the control means for energizing the last-named electromagnet.

22. In a machine of the type indicated, wirestitching means, work-feeding means, means for initiating operation of the wire-stitching means, and means for simultaneously arresting the operation of the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means comprising an electromagnet, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, a rockable member for operating the switch, and a control member operated in timed relation to the wire-stitching means and carry- 76 ing a. projection for actuating. the rockable. membier.

23, In a machine of the type indicated, wirestitching means, work-feeding means, means for initiating operation of the wire-stitching means, and means for arresting the operation of the wire-stitching means comprising'an electromagnet, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, a rockable member for operating the switch, a: control member operated in timed relation to the wire-stitching means and having: a. projection for actuating the rockable member, and: means for adjusting the position of the. projection on the. control means to operate the switch after any predetermined number of stitchesv have been applied,

24'. In a machine. of the type indicated, wirestitchingf means, work-feeding means, means for initiating operation of the wire-stitching means, and means for arrestirfg the operation of the wirestitching means comprising an electromagnet, an electric circuit-for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, a rockable member for operating the switch, a. control member: operated in timed relation to the wire-stitching means, means for returning the control member to initial position, said control'member having an arm for actuating the rockable member to operate the switch and thereby energize the electromagnet, means operated by the electromagnet for initiating operation of the means for returning the control means, and a second arm on the control member for actuating the rockable member to release the switch.

25. In a machine of the type indicated, wirestitching means, work-feeding means, means for initiating operation of the wire-stitching means, and means for arresting the operation of the wirestitching means comprising an electromagnet, an electric circuit for the electromagnet, a switch in the circuit, a rockable member for operating the switch, a control member operated in timed relation to the wire-stitching means, means for returning the control member to initial position, said control member having an arm for actuating the rockable member to operate the switch and thereby energize the electromagnet, means operated by the electromagnet for initiating operation of the means for returning the control means, a second arm on the control member for actuating the rockable member to release the switch, and means for relatively adjusting the arms.

26. In a machine of the type indicated, wirestitching means, work-feeding means adapted to feed the work a normal increment of movement or a reduced increment of movement between adjacent stitches, driving means for operating the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means in timed relationship, tie-stitch means for controlling the operation of the feeding means to reduce the increment of movement of the work by the feeding means between certain stitches, a control shaft operated in timed relation to the wirestitching means, a pair of separate cams on the control shaft for operating the tie-stitch means at the beginning and end of a row of stitches, and means for relatively adjusting the cams in angular relationship on the shaft to adapt a tiestitch to be applied at the beginning and end of a row of any predetermined number of stitches.

27. In a machine of the type indicated, wirestitching means, work-feeding means, driving means for operating the wire-stitching means and work-feeding means in timed relationship, tiestitch means for controlling the operation of the feeding means to reduce the increment of move- 

